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SA Hunters question WWF’s stance on rhino horn trade

SA Hunters strongly refutes the preposterous statement by Colman O’Criodian of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that legalising rhino horn trade would increase poaching. It was reported in the media last week, that both WWF and Traffic would oppose any pro trade proposals at the CITES meeting in Bangkok from 3 – 13 March.

O’ Criodian, who claimed he had visited South Africa a while ago, said the calls from South African game farmers and rhino owners’ to legalise the trade were ‘ridicilous’, and that there were many ‘ethical issues’. These so-called ethical issues were not explained. How ethical is it to allow the extinction of a species through irresponsible actions?

Rhinos the Defenceless

Injustice is part of human nature. It existed for as long as man was able to record his activities and before. It led to war and extinction and will continue to do so. Injustice towards the defenceless is bad, it rules out recourse and scars deeply. When injustice happens towards those who are not here yet, those who will live in future, that is the worse.

The world and its rulers have done it over and over allowing destruction and eradication by people and often did it themselves. Over time we have lost a lot and now, because of no will or the presence of greed the loss will continue and so will the disappearance of Rhinos.

Rhinos are defenceless against people, poachers, systems, subcultures, governments, politicians and even CITES. Yes Rhinos are defenceless against us all. We all are standing by, pontificating or protecting sectional or self interest whilst Rhino numbers are dwindling. Blood from humans and Rhinos flows but we are allowing ourselves the luxury of talking. Shame on you, shame on me, shame on all of us or, is it all of us?

Rhino Poaching in South Africa

Ron Thompson at SAHGCA annual congress 2012

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. It is an honour for me to address you this evening. I already feel ‘at home’ because I know I am in the company of kindred spirits.

Although I have spent the last 53 years working for wildlife in national parks, or researching and writing about controversial wildlife management issues, I am not an expert on what is going on in South Africa today - vis-a-vis the current commercial poaching of our rhinos. There are many people in this country who are far more qualified to talk on this subject. Why then did I not just decline the request and suggest the selection of another speaker? The answer opens up a whole can-of-worms which I now propose to expose.

The problem with today’s commercial rhino poaching epidemic - and its solution - is complex. Asking anyone to give a coherent address on this single subject, therefore, is like asking him to describe one piece of a giant jigsaw puzzle whilst ignoring all the other pieces. The importance of that single piece lies in the fact that it is an integral part of a much bigger picture; and its significance will only be clear when all the pieces are put together.

Solution to rhino poaching problem rests with Africa

The key to the survival of the African black and white rhinoceroses must come from Africans, and not from international bodies that are trying to impose their imperialistic and often paternalistic
solution on us, says the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SAHGCA).

The Association is one of numerous South African-based conservation NGOs that promotes a wellmanaged,international trade in rhino horn as the only sustainable solution to curb rhino poaching. With the IUCN World Conservation Congress that is being held in South Korea until 15 September and World Rhino Day coming up on 22 September, he plight of the rhino remains high on the agenda in conservation circles.